Summer Solstice (Also Known As Midsummer Night And Litha)
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org,
please feel free to visit the school website)
The word “solstice” is derived from two Latin words; Sol means sun, and sistere means: causing to stand still, so literally it translates to “sun standing still.” On Summer Solstice, which is typically June 21 or 22, the noonday sun has reached its highest point in the sky, compared to the day before or the day after, so it stands still on this day. It is the longest day of the year, meaning the daylight hours are at a maximum and the hours of darkness are at a minimum. Officially it is the first day of summer. The term Midsummer refers to the approximate middle of the growing season throughout Europe.
At Summer Solstice, the warmth and green of the earth, the many flowers and trees that are in full bloom, and the coming abundance of harvests are all honored. It is time for the first harvest of seeds planted in the fall, consisting of herbs used for rituals and medicinal purposes. It is considered a time of fire and light, and a period for cleansing and renewal. One experiences the fullness of light by receiving healing energy from the sun. Many cultures include bonfires in their ceremonies, believed to generate magic and increase the sun’s energy. During these festivals divination and healing rituals were practiced. In Slavic and Celtic regions, pairs of lovers would jump over the embers for luck, as this was considered a time of love and growth.
June’s first (or only) full moon was referred to as the Honey Moon, because customarily this is the best time to harvest honey from the beehives. The popular drink at these festivals is mead wine, made from fermented honey, and was traditionally consumed after the many marriage ceremonies held during this time. June is known as the wedding month to this day. This stems from the ancient belief that the grand sexual union of the Goddess and God took place in May at Beltane. Since it was considered to be unlucky to compete with the deities, couples waited until June and the Summer Solstice, a time celebrating the magic of love-to be wed. It is easy to see why the name attached to the holiday following a wedding is called “Honeymoon.”
Current and ongoing popular Summer Solstice activities, as adapted from ancient rituals, are singing, dancing, chanting and drumming around a bonfire. Symbols of abundance, such as wine, bread, fruit and flowers are often present. Other symbols are mistletoe and feathers. Some herbs associated with this holiday are chamomile, fennel, thyme and lavender, which are all burned in smudge sticks. St. John’s Wort is made into garlands and used for decoration and protection of homes and domestic animals. Many cultures also incorporate ceremonial bathing as part of their ritual.